Our story

We believe entrepreneurs are uniquely placed to transform the world, today and in the future, by using their skills, networks, and resources to tackle huge, seemingly insurmountable problems. However, they often lack the time, tools, or knowledge to direct their charitable giving where it will do the most good.

Founders Pledge exists to bridge this gap. We advise on, facilitate, and maximize the impact of our members’ giving.

In our vision of the future, the value created by technology benefits those who need it most.

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Our mission

We’re focused on maximizing impact in everything we do.

We launched out of Founders Forum — Europe's foremost network of digital and technology entrepreneurs — in 2015. Since then, our drive to make high-impact giving the norm has seen our member base grow into a global community of over 2,000 members from more than 40 countries. Together, they have pledged more than $10 billion to charity and already donated over $1 billion to the charitable sector.

Founders Pledge operates globally from registered nonprofits in the US, UK, and Germany. We don’t charge membership fees, and there is no cost to join. We are funded by a number of generous donors who believe in our ability to deliver outsized impact with their gifts. In 2023, over 40% of our operating expenses were funded by members. We’re also grateful to work with foundations like Open Philanthropy, and corporate partners, such as Pictet.*

*Figures correct as of Jan. 2025.

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Illustrative image — ▲ Photo by Rod Long on Unsplash.

Our leadership team

Our senior team combines years of experience across the nonprofit, corporate and technology sectors to set the strategic direction of the organization.

David Goldberg

Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

Charlotte Monico

Chief Operating Officer (COO)

Diane Sheard

Chief of Staff

Ellen MacKay

Director of Product, Communications and Technology

Matt Hurst-Smith

Chief Experience Officer

Matt Lerner

Research Director

Sean Hegarty

Chief Financial Officer

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Our Trustees and Directors share a strong commitment to our mission, and apply their backgrounds in international development, finance and business to oversee our operations and ensure we stay true to our goals.